Yangju, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea — Last September 18-20, the city of Yangju celebrated its annual cotton festival. Danny and I never knew that Yangju is known for cotton and so we were in full anticipation to visit the festival ’cause we’ve never seen yet a cotton plant.

There were lots of people, as expected, usually in groups of families. First thing we saw upon arrival was flower fields in various vibrant spring colors (though it’s autumn already).

In the highly, highly saturated Korea coffee shop game, it’s important to have a good product and an interesting concept–unfortunately, brand recognition doesn’t hurt, either–if you want to have any chance of lasting more than six months. There’s just so much.

Fortunately Mint Bloom Flower Cafe (Samgye-dong, Gimhae, 055-339-4919) has at least two of those essentials.

Located in Samgye-dong, Gimhae, the first thing I noticed when walking into this spacious cafe was the scent.

It’s cherry blossom season here in South Korea, which means roads throughout the country are lined with beautiful flowering trees! The conditions are perfect for a Saturday morning bike ride, and the small naval port town of Jinhae welcomes thousands who flock its streets to take in the views at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival! Enjoy!

All flowers are beautiful. I really enjoy watching, photographing, drawing and arranging flowers. Of all the flowers, the national flower of India takes the cake. The beautiful lotus!

Arising from the dirt and grime, the lotus flower, bathed in sunlight, rises up high- unsoiled by the surroundings- pure and pristine. The lotus leaf is another amazing creation, which doesn't get wet though it grows in water.

Without a doubt, art is one of the most defining elements of any culture. It captures the spirit of people, places and time, and expresses mood, opinion, and thought, in such a way that transcends even the greatest of language barriers. Whether it be a song, play, dance or a visual composition like pottery, painting or drawing, every piece of art is a window into that culture’s world. When we attempt to learn about and experience other cultures, sometimes it’s enough to remain on the outside looking in; to go to a museum or a gallery, or attend a concert or production.